As department head, Skaggs said her priorities include increasing recruiting efforts continuing to encourage high-level research.

“We really want to create some areas of specialization that are compatible with student interests in public policy and non-profits,” Skaggs said. “We’re also committed to increasing faculty representation in those areas.”

Other areas targeted for growth include healthcare and education policy, poverty and other urban issues, as well as urban development. Growing enrollment and providing students with opportunities for professional internships and development, she said, are also important goals for the department.

“We have students who are interested in social policy, urban issues and urban development, so we really want to focus on developing those,” Skaggs said. “We will continue to work on growing complimentary work and conducting research that will give our students more experience.”

Skaggs’ research includes investigation into workplace dynamics as they relate to gender and racial/ethnic diversity. She received her PhD in sociology from the North Carolina State University. She has taught at UT Dallas since 2002 and has received a grant from the National Science Foundation. She has published research in national journals including the American Sociological Review and the American Journal of Sociology.

“Dr. Skaggs has proven herself as a leader and talented instructor and researcher throughout her tenure with the University,” said Dr. James Marquart, EPPS dean. “Dr. Skaggs’ many accomplishments, as well as her expertise in the area of sociology, will bring an extraordinary depth to the department.”